CA2847642A1

CA2847642A1 - Soccer apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: CA2847642A1
Application number: CA2847642A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Michael P. Bhimsingh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-24
Filing date: 2014-03-24
Publication date: 2015-09-24

Abstract

The invention provides a Goal Apparatus and Method, for the game of soccer, consisting of an enclosed upper and lower net. When a ball enters the upper net, there is an angled surface at bottom, so ball can roll to an opening, dropping to the lower net. As the ball passes through the opening, an electronic sensor detects the ball and turns on a light, which is wired to a 12 volt rechargeable battery and timer. The light turns on for a few seconds, then off. The upper and lower nets are two separate units when disassembled, when assembled they form one complete unit. The invention will necessitate slight rule changes to the existing game of soccer to accommodate the goal apparatus and allow fluidity of play in the game. To score goals: ball enters the upper net you get one point; ball enters lower net, two points.

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sports goal apparatus and method used in the game of soccer or similar games where a goal apparatus is required, in which you deposit a ball, to score points or goals. Other names which are applied to similar apparatuses, in the field of invention are goal or net, which are structures on the field or surface in which the games are played.
Background The idea for the Goal Apparatus and Method came about as a result of the inventor's desire, to see more excitement in the game of soccer. If there could be more scoring in the game of soccer; it will make for a more robust game for spectators and players. It was at this time the inventor began with the thought of finding a way to increase the amount of scoring. This idea led to changes from the conventional soccer goal to an apparatus where a player can deposit more goals. The idea of a goal apparatus with an upper and a lower scoring area, to increase the chances of a player scoring, seemed a creative and practical option. The need to retrieve the ball from the upper net was also considered and factored into the invention with a novel design. There was also a need to modify and create new rules for the game of soccer to accommodate the new goal apparatus. These major changes in effect created a more exciting game.
Description of Goal Apparatus and Method Soccer is a popular sport around the world. It is played at all levels, from recreation, amateur to professional levels. In Europe and many other parts of the world, soccer is known as football. In North America, the name soccer was chosen to differentiate it from American style of football.
The largest sporting spectacle in soccer/football is the FIFA World Cup which is played every four years.
The invention of the Goal Apparatus and Method is designed to provide more scoring within the game, thereby providing a more excitement for spectators and players. By creating a more

2 exciting game for spectators and players, it will be possible to induce a broader section of the public to become interested in the sport. To achieve this, a goal apparatus was designed with an upper and lower net. It is a novel design where the ball drops from the upper net into the lower net. The goalie can then retrieve the ball and continue the play after a goal is scored in the upper net. This will keep the ball "in play" and result in more participation by the goalie.
Goals can be scored in the lower net similar to a regular soccer game. The rules of soccer were modified slightly to accommodate the new goal apparatus and as a result create a more fluid game.
A notable feature of the Goal Apparatus is the angled surface of the top net, which allows the ball to roll to the rear of the net, to an opening which passes through to the bottom net. When the ball passes through, an electronic sensor detects the ball and sends a signal to a light which is mounted to the Goal Apparatus. The light is wired to a timer and a rechargeable 12 volt battery. It will turn on for a few seconds to signal a goal, and then turn off.
Some of the most notable rule changes to the existing game of soccer, the methods, in which the Goal Apparatus will be used are: scoring in the upper net counts for one point, scoring in the lower net counts for two points. After a goal is scored in the upper net, the goalie can retrieve the ball, then kick or throw it onto the field, the game then continues without stoppages. There will be three 30 minute periods instead of two half periods.
Substitution of players will be allowed while the game is still being played and there is movement of players on the field.
The Goal Apparatus and Method in a new concept applied to a very popular sport. There is criticism that soccer can be a boring game for some, due to the low number of goals scored during a match. It is not uncommon to see games where the total number of goals scored by both teams is less than three. North American, sporting enthusiasts, accustomed to sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball and North American football can count on seeing high scores in those games. With soccer, you can spend two hours watching a professional game only to see a low number of goals scored. The Goal Apparatus and Method are designed to increase the scoring in a game. It is designed to alter the nature of the game whereby the goalie now becomes a defensive and an offensive player with more participation in the game. The goalie will be handling the ball more. It is also designed to give the spectators and the players more of a thrill by now having a second method of scoring. Players will be more likely to kick the ball to the upper net creating more action on the field.

3 The following is a list of patents relating to sporting and soccer:
Other inventions:
Patent No.
5,564,711 multi-purpose sports goal 0 ct, 15, 1996 Scheie; Carl E

4,169,598 double structure goal structure Oct 2, 1979 Taylor;
Lawrence H
6,758,769 electronic sound effect system July 6, 2004 Nelson; Webb T

5,346,228 soccer goal and gaming Sept 13, 1994 Offutt; James C
5,615,889 soccer goal practice net Apr 1, 1997 Long; Phillip E
7,037,21982 soccer training device May 2, 2006 Pakieser; Greg 5,054,791 background shield for soccer Oct 8, 1991 Ball; Allan F
3,822,883 compartmented net July 9, 1994 DeVos; John B
5,042,820 soccerball return Aug 27, 1991 Ford; James M
5,197,744 Soccer-Am Mar 30, 1993 Nanau; George Brief Description of the Drawings Fig 1 illustrates a side view of the structure showing the upper and lower net combined to form the complete goal apparatus.
Fig 2 illustrates a side view of the structure to show the upper and lower net when they are separate.
Fig 3 is a three dimensional view of the structure showing the preferred embodiment of the of the upper net, It also shows the sensor locations for the electronic light and its components.
Fig 4 illustrates in clear view the opening at the rear of the bottom net to allow the ball to fall through to lower net. It also shows the preferred embodiment of the sloped surface to allow the ball to roll to rear of net and into opening.
Fig 5 illustrates the complete goal apparatus in a three dimensional view looking at it from the front.
Fig 6 illustrates the way in which the net is fitted to the top of the lower net using Velcro tabs.
Fig 7 shows a schematic drawing of the electronic sensor and the components for the sensor, light and timer used to indicate a goal is scored in the upper net.

Detailed Description of the Invention The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the structure in connection with illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or similar structures are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
The actual size of the goal apparatus in the appended drawings, when built for use, may vary depending on the purpose. The sizes may vary based on the soccer clubs and league requirements. The following are some sizes for example, but are not restricted to only these sizes. The lower goal opening can be as follows.
8 feet high X 24 feet wide, FIFA Standard. Professional soccer league standard.
7 feet high X 21 feet wide, USA Junior Standard

6.5 feet high X 18 feet wide 6.5 feet high X 12 feet wide, official indoor soccer The attached drawings are based on a Goal Apparatus which is of a professional size, meaning the lower net measures twenty four feet wide by eight feet high. The dimensions for the width of the opening for the upper goal are the same as the width of the lower goal opening. The height of the upper goal is one third the height of the lower goal in the attached drawings.
All measurements in the following description assume these measurements.
Fig 1 represents a side view of the Goal Apparatus. The Goal Apparatus is made up of two components which, when stacked, one on top of the other, forms a singular unit. The lower net 21 and the upper net 20 are shown in the position they will be in, as a functional unit when a game is being played. The frame of the structure 26 can be made of any solid material like aluminum, wood, steel, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, or any material sufficient to support the construction of such a structure. The upper net will have a standard soccer mesh 32 covering on all sides, except the goal opening at the front and at the bottom of the assembly. The mesh net will be fitted so as to not allow the ball to escape through its sides or top when a ball enters the goal area. When the top net is lowered unto the lower net 21, the mesh fitted to the top of the lower net will complete the enclosure as per the design embodiment.
Fig 2 represents a side view of the Goal Apparatus when the upper net and the lower net are separated. The lower net 21, has a slope at the top 23, which is designed to allow the ball to roll to the opening 24 at the rear of the lower net. The opening is 26 centimeters across or appropriate to allow a soccer ball to pass through with ease. The optimum design method is to create an opening four to eight centimeters larger than the diameter of the intended ball to pass through. The angle of the slope 23 is designed to be fifteen degrees at the opening of the lower net 21, extending three feet from the opening of the lower net. The angle then increases until it reaches the opening 24. Also visible in Fig 2 is the docking posts 34 which are designed to allow the upper net to attach onto the lower net. The frame structure for both the upper and lower net uses square aluminum tubing in these drawings. Round, rectangular, square or such suitable framing structures can be used. The docking method for this part particular design uses a male- female sleeve approach. The docking posts 34 on the lower net have a square tube which is smaller than the tube on the upper net. When the upper net is lowered in place, the tube of the upper net will extend approximately four inches and fit over the lower tube 34.
Also visible on Fig 2 is the battery box 25, which is a small box to hold a 12 volt rechargeable battery. This battery will be the power source for the electronic sensor and light 22 which will detect the ball as it passes from the upper net 20 to the lower net 21.
Fig3 represents a three dimensional view of the upper net 20 and the lower net 21. Visible in this figure drawing is the top frame angles supports 33, which are designed to strengthen the lower goal apparatus 21, and creates a framework for a custom fitted mesh 28 which sits on top of the lower goal apparatus. The fitted mesh 28 is a mesh netting which is made to a specific dimension and design so that it can be fitted to the lower goal apparatus. The mesh fitted to this area will be described thoroughly when the drawing of fig 6 is described later.
Fig 4 illustrates the lower net looking from the rear. It is clear to see the opening 24 in this drawing. Visible in this drawing is the custom mesh 28 and the sloping of the top, towards the opening 24. The custom mesh will be designed with a solid fabric like canvas cotton, vinyl or other fabrics, sewn around its perimeter. The perimeter fabric 35 in this design, is six inches wide, but not restricted to this width. This perimeter fabric 35 which is sewn around the mesh 28 will provide a surface on which to mount or sew Velcro straps which will be used to fasten mesh to the lower goal assembly 21.
Fig 5 illustrates a three dimensional view of the goal apparatus when all parts are assembled and the unit is ready for use.
Fig 6 illustrates a close-up view of the top mesh 28 on the lower goal assembly 21. Visible is the perimeter fabric 35 sewn around the mesh 28. The Velcro tabs 30 are sewn to the perimeter in such a way that you can wrap the tab 30 around the frame of the goal apparatus 21 and stretch the mesh 28 into place and fasten with the Velcro tabs 30. The mesh 28 will be a mesh fabric different than that of the conventional soccer netting 32. The mesh fabric for mesh 28 will be a closer and tighter weave the conventional soccer mesh or net. The mesh fabric selected will be a natural fabric like cotton or manmade fabric like nylon or similar. It is necessary to create a mesh 28 that does not sag with the weight of the ball when it is fasten snugly to the frame. It is necessary to have a mesh 28 covering which can support the weight of the ball yet the ball to roll to the opening 24 at the rear of the net.
Fig 7 illustrates the wiring of the components, used to detect the ball as it passes from the upper net to the lower net. The sensor, 27, is a photoelectric sensor made by Banner Engineering Corp. of Minneapolis, MN, USA. The part number is Q45BB6LV, the reflector, 29, for this sensor is part number BRT-84 and the plug-in module for the delay timer is part number 45LM5D. The delay timer module is inserted into the inner housing of the sensor Q45BB6LV, where there is a slot for it to slide into. You can adjust the length of time the light stays on after a goal is scored into the top net by adjusting the timer. For example, you can set the timer to have the light stay on for four seconds before resetting for the next time a goal is scored in the top net. There are four wires coming out of the sensor, 27. They are brown, which is connected to the positive of the battery. There is blue which is connected to negative of the battery. There is a black wire which is connected to the positive side of the two lamps.
There is a white wire which is not used. The negative from both lights will be connected to the negative of the battery, 36. The system uses a twelve volt rechargeable battery. A lithium rechargeable battery is used in this design. A lead acid, twelve volt battery can also be used. For the lights, 22, to indicate when a goal is scored. A blue LED light, similar to the light used on police vehicles will be used. The light will be mounted to poles, welded to the top of the upper net, using screws or bolts. The wiring for the complete system will be fed inside the frame if it is constructed of hollow tubing. 16-18 gauge wiring can be used. The top net wiring will be connected to the lower net wiring with a two pin insulated quick connector, similar to those used in automotive applications. When the top net is removed, all you have to do is disconnect the wiring at the quick connector.

Claims

Claims Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein described, it will be understood that changes of form and specific structures can be effected without departure from the basic principles which underlie the invention. Various modifications and variations of the invention will be evident to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. Although the invention described herein is of a two part structure, the whole Goal Apparatus or invention can be designed to be a portable folding type assemble or a knock-down assembly with detachable parts that fit together like a kit when assembled for use.
Claims:

1) A soccer goal apparatus comprising of two scoring areas, an upper goal area and a lower goal area which are combined by stacking the upper goal area onto the lower goal area to form one complete goal apparatus which are unique in such a manner as:
a) When a ball is deposited in the upper goal, the angles of the base of the upper goal is designed such that the ball will roll to rear of the upper net and fall through an opening to the lower net.
b) When a ball enters the top goal and falls through the opening to the lower goal, it can be easily retrieved by the goalie and kept "in play" without interruption.
This feature gives the goalie a chance to kick or throw ball onto field and continue the game, thereby maintaining the fluidity in the play.
c) An electronic sensor, light and rechargeable battery that is wired in a circuit which senses when the ball passes from the upper net to the lower net, triggering a signal to power the light, turning it on, this indicate a goal is scored in the upper net.

Furthermore, the circuit has a programmable timer which will automatically turn off the light within seconds of a ball passing through.

2) A soccer goal apparatus defined in claim 1 consisting of a base for the upper net which is custom fitted onto the framework of the lower net. This custom fitted base is designed and made to fit in such a manner so to allow the ball to roll without sinking into pockets or folds once the mesh is fitted to the framework of lower net.

3) A soccer goal apparatus defined in claim 1 consisting of an upper net whereby the ball is contained and deposited into the lower net due to the angle of the base of the upper net. The angles are sloping from the mouth of the opening of the net, downwards to the opening where the ball drops to the lower net. When a goal is scored in upper net, gravity will cause ball to roll to rear of net and into opening, falling to lower net.

4) A soccer goal apparatus consisting of a sensor fitted in such a manner as to allow the sensor to detect a ball as it passes through the opening from the upper net to the lower net triggering a light to signal a goal has been scored.

5) A soccer goal apparatus consisting of a an opening which allows the ball to pass through from the upper net onto the lower net at the rear of the goal apparatus assembly, thereby depositing the ball in a strategic location for the goal to retrieve the ball without interference from other players.

6) A soccer goal apparatus consisting of two separate units which are stacked onto one another to form complete goal apparatus. The option of using the lower net for conventional soccer is still viable.

7) A soccer goal apparatus and method to permit a new gaming experience. The option to score in the lower net or the upper net and still retain control of the ball without the ball exiting the goal apparatus and ending up "out of bounds" on the field or playing surface.

8) A soccer goal apparatus with a rechargeable battery to power the goal signaling circuitry, including the sensor to indicate when a goal is scored in the upper net, and a flashing light to indicate a goal has been scored.